Toni's Review of His Dark Embrace by Amanda Ashley ***3.5 Stars***

A VAMPIRE’S KISS. A WOMAN’S SURRENDER.

Tall, dark, mysterious—and with a faint scar on his cheek that only makes him more gorgeous—Kaiden Thorne is one schoolgirl obsession Skylynn never forgot. Now, returning to her childhood home after eight years, she can’t believe her reclusive neighbor is still living across the street—and hotter than ever. Skylynn doesn't know how Kaiden manages to stay so young, virile, and impossibly attractive. But she knows she wants him…even if he harbors a fearful secret he refuses to tell her.

When Kaiden sees the beautiful young woman Skylynn has become, he can no longer control the bloodlust that is his true nature. Once he pulls Skylynn into his arms, presses his lips against hers—and accidentally draws blood—he longs for more. Only she possesses what he wants and what he needs. Only she can save him or destroy him. But once Skylynn agrees to help Kaiden battle his darkest desires, there is no turning back…

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Skylynn knows pain and she is living it again right now. 

She lost her parents at a very young age, but she had the love of her grandparents to comfort her.  Then she lost her grandmother, but her grandfather was there for her, her touchstone.  Life has been good up until a few months ago.  Now her beloved brother is missing in action in Iraq and she just buried her grandfather.  Her life is at a crossroads.  Does she go back to her life in Chicago or stay at her grandfather’s home and start a new life?  Well for the time being she has a bit of time.

Kaiden Thorne has lived on the outside of his neighbor’s life for years.  Watching Paddy’s grandchildren grow up has been a calming and an amazing experience.  Through the years he grew very close to Paddy and they have had a very beneficial relationship.  Kaiden may have left Vista Verde years ago, but he never lost contact with Paddy and he secretly watched over his granddaughter.  Now Skylynn is all grown up and his feelings for her have grown all the more personal.  But that isn’t the only thing he needs from her.  She is now the keeper of Paddy’s secret; a secret that very well could ruin Kaiden and Skylynn’s forever.

Skylynn has always had a secret crush on Kaiden and Kaiden has developed a burning lust for her.  Circumstances have propelled these two together and things are about to get steamy.  There is nothing in the way for them now, except Kaiden’s hunger; a hunger so primal that it could killer her.  But there may be something else in their way…an old enemy that has been lurking around the O’Brien house unbeknown to Kaiden.  This is a man that will do anything to get his revenge on Kaiden, even turn his back on all he has ever known.

His Dark Embrace is a lovely sweet story.  It is well balanced and I truly enjoyed it.  The vampire lore in the story is pretty standard, but with a very nice twist.  Intimate relations are very much behind closed doors. So if you like your romances with a little more love action, this book is not for you.  But if you are familiar with Ms. Ashley’s writing you will already know that she writes sweet sensual romances not steamy hot burn your fingers type. 

His Dark Embrace has a good plot with emotion, sensuality and intensity.  Her character development is on the light side, but getting into their mind set is not hard.  This is a very enjoyable read that kept me engaged but not gripped.  I would recommend His Dark Embrace for a quiet evening when you just want to relax, lose yourself in a book and get away from the overly sexed novels out there.  While this might not be a bodice ripper, it is still a lovely escape.

Thanks for reading - Toni

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